The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2026-27 NBA season without LaMelo Ball, putting their future in the hands of Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel and a dramatically rebuilt roster.

The Charlotte Hornets are coming off their best season in a decade, yet they’ve decided to make one of the boldest roster changes in the NBA.

Charlotte enters the 2026-27 NBA season without LaMelo Ball or Miles Bridges, turning the franchise over to rising stars Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.

It’s a gamble that could define the organization’s future.

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The Hornets finished 44-38 last season, their highest victory total since 2015-16, before falling short of the playoffs in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Instead of keeping that roster intact, Charlotte’s front office decided to reshape the team around younger talent and greater financial flexibility.

Ball’s departure leaves an enormous hole in the offense.

Last season, the Hornets averaged 123.2 points per 100 possessions with Ball on the floor compared with just 110.6 when he was on the bench.

Replacing that playmaking won’t be easy.

But Miller appears ready to become the franchise’s primary offensive weapon.

The former Alabama standout averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season while shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range.

His biggest immediate concern is health after undergoing left shoulder surgery in May.

Knueppel, meanwhile, established himself as one of the league’s most exciting young shooters during a rookie campaign in which he averaged 18.5 points per game.

His perimeter shooting and offensive versatility give Charlotte another potential All-Star building block.

The Hornets also added considerable experience.

Former Minnesota forward Naz Reid arrives following a season in which he averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds.

Grayson Allen, Buddy Hield, Dennis Schröder and Royce O’Neale provide additional veteran options for head coach Charles Lee.

Coby White will also play an important role in Charlotte’s restructured backcourt, particularly with Ball no longer directing the offense.

But the Southeast Division presents significant challenges.

Miami added Giannis Antetokounmpo, while Atlanta and Orlando are both coming off playoff appearances.

Charlotte must find a way to replace its departed scoring and playmaking without sacrificing the offensive improvement achieved last season.

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That’s a difficult assignment for a relatively young roster.

Still, the Hornets aren’t approaching this season as a complete teardown.

They’re betting that Miller and Knueppel can become the foundation of something bigger.

Season outlook: Charlotte should remain competitive in the Eastern Conference play-in race, but its ceiling depends on Miller’s health, Knueppel’s development and the team’s ability to replace Ball’s offensive production.